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Automotive

Mazda 2 gets a big revamp for 2016

By Angus MacKenzie
July 18, 2014
Mazda 2 gets a big revamp for 2016
The 2016 Mazda 2 now shares the oversized grille work, angular headlights and sloping nose treatment of its larger siblings
The 2016 Mazda 2 now shares the oversized grille work, angular headlights and sloping nose treatment of its larger siblings
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With over 2.4 million Mazda 2’s sold worldwide since 2002, expectations for the success of the newest version are high
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With over 2.4 million Mazda 2’s sold worldwide since 2002, expectations for the success of the newest version are high
The new 2 will include new active safety features known as “i-ACTIVSENSE” that will aid drivers in identifying and responding quicker to road hazards
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The new 2 will include new active safety features known as “i-ACTIVSENSE” that will aid drivers in identifying and responding quicker to road hazards
The new Mazda 2 shows more than a few design similarities to the Hazumi Concept unveiled in Geneva earlier this year
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The new Mazda 2 shows more than a few design similarities to the Hazumi Concept unveiled in Geneva earlier this year
The 2016 model still retains certain design similarities to outgoing model, especially in the rear hindquarters
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The 2016 model still retains certain design similarities to outgoing model, especially in the rear hindquarters
The new Mazda2 also contains a next-gen connectivity system designed to enhance the infotainment experience
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The new Mazda2 also contains a next-gen connectivity system designed to enhance the infotainment experience
The car's 1.5 liter diesel engine option will develop only 105 hp but twist out an impressive 184 ft. lb (250 Nm) of torque at only 1,500 rpm
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The car's 1.5 liter diesel engine option will develop only 105 hp but twist out an impressive 184 ft. lb (250 Nm) of torque at only 1,500 rpm
The new Mazda 2 retains the same “Kodo” design language as the 3 and 5 series with a more pronounced grille, aggressive headlights and a sloping nose treatment
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The new Mazda 2 retains the same “Kodo” design language as the 3 and 5 series with a more pronounced grille, aggressive headlights and a sloping nose treatment
The 2016 Mazda 2 now shares the oversized grille work, angular headlights and sloping nose treatment of its larger siblings
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The 2016 Mazda 2 now shares the oversized grille work, angular headlights and sloping nose treatment of its larger siblings
Where the C-pillar brings the roof and tailgate together is more angular than the previous 2 series but still retains the old model’s visual presence
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Where the C-pillar brings the roof and tailgate together is more angular than the previous 2 series but still retains the old model’s visual presence
View gallery - 9 images

With over 2.4 million Mazda 2’s sold worldwide since 2002, expectations for the company’s latest small 5-door hatchback are high. Unveiled today, the 2016 Mazda 2 features the same “Kodo” design language as the 3 and 5 series and will be offered with a range of engines including a 1.5 liter diesel SKYACTIV engine.

Looking remarkably similar and with only the nose exposed you’d be hard pressed to tell the difference between the Mazda 2 and its sibling the Mazda 3. The 2 now shares the same oversized grille work, angular headlights and sloping nose treatment as the 3 and 5 series, while along the flanks the new 2 shows design similarities to the Hazumi Concept unveiled in Geneva earlier this year. Where the C-pillar brings the roof and tailgate together is more angular than the previous model, but the car still manages to retains its visual presence.

The car's 1.5 liter diesel engine option will develop only 105 hp but twist out an impressive 184 ft. lb (250 Nm) of torque at only 1,500 rpm
The car's 1.5 liter diesel engine option will develop only 105 hp but twist out an impressive 184 ft. lb (250 Nm) of torque at only 1,500 rpm

Under the hood the new Mazda 2 will provide buyers a range of powerplant options, with a choice of gas or diesel engines. The cars will feature variations of Mazda’s highly successful, highly economical SKYACTIV powertrains. In Japan a G version of the engine with 1.3 liters of displacement will be available as well as a D version, which is the 1.5 liter diesel variant. The smallish diesel engine will generate only 105 hp but will twist out an impressive 184 ft. lb (250 Nm) of torque at a low 1,500 rpm. Transmission options will vary depending on the market as well.

Mazda says that new active safety features known as i-ACTIVSENSE will aid drivers in identifying and responding quicker to road hazards, while a next-gen connectivity system will enhance the infotainment experience.

More information on vehicle specifications for other markets, including the US, will become available as we get closer to regional release dates.

The 2016 Mazda 2 will start rolling out of Mazda’s Hofu plant this September.

Source: Mazda

View gallery - 9 images

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AutomotiveSafetyMazdaLanguageJapanSkyactivKODOmazda 2
2 comments
Angus MacKenzie
Born on the cold, barren Canadian plains of Calgary, Alberta, Angus MacKenzie couldn’t decide between marketing, automotives or an entrepreneurial path - so he chose all three. With an education in automotives and marketing, Angus has rebuilt the carburetor on his 1963 Rambler Ambassador twice, gotten a speeding ticket in an F430 once, and driven & photographed everything from Lamborghinis to Maseratis to various German and Asian designs. When not writing, Angus has for the past six years been Editor-in-Chief for elemente, an internationally recognized architecture/design magazine.

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2 comments
MarylandUSA
They're launching the new model in September 2014 but calling it a 2016 model? How is this possible?
Also, Toyota will be selling a rebadged Mazda2. For the Americas, the Mazda and Toyota will roll off a new assembly line in Mexico.
BZD
@Paul Stregevsky: The car won't come to Europe and the US until 2016 so that would be my guess for it being designated a 2016 car. I'm however not sure it is Mazda that has labeled it a 2016 car as that may well be the press doing so.
It is normal that in many industries to refer to anything put on the market later than spring as next years models, as if that somehow makes a difference regretfully I guess it somehow does and I'm betting it is marketing that is doing such BS moves. I've noticed that with high end bicycles there seems to be sort of a competition between brands on when to bring next years model - it is sort of underhanded but the up side is that means one can often buy "last years" models in the middle of a year at bargain price.